The Commercial Space Equity & Diversity Scholarship supports equality and diversity inclusion in the commercial space industry.

NO FEE TO APPLY!

Individuals from any location can apply, regardless of citizenship. Scholarship will be applied to the six months Career Astronaut Online Training. As with most scholarship awards, recipients are responsible to cover the cost of enrollment and must remain actively enrolled in Standby at $10 per month. The scholarship will cover 100% of the 6-months Online Training Affiliate tuition ($49 per month x 6 months). Upon completion of the 6-month Online Training, recipients will have an interview scheduled and will be considered for physical training as a Career Astronaut Candidate. If selected for physical training, with exception to transportation to and from the training location, all accommodations, food and equipment will be covered by AdvancingX. Unless otherwise notified, physical training is held 1 or 2 weeks per year in California, Arizona, and Europe. If not selected your resume will be considered each time a new commercial space contract opportunity is secured by AdvancingX (must be in active Standby to be considered).

APPLICATION TIMELINE

Currently OPEN.
Scholarships are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Submissions are electronic and automated. If you qualify and do not complete the enrollment process at the time of submission it does not guarantee qualification upon your return to complete the enrollment process.

Identifying Career Astronauts is a competitive process. When selected as a Career Astronaut Candidate you will be taking part in the largest Optimal Team Design research and training to ever take place anywhere in the world. You will be challenged both as an individual and as a valued member on multiple teams designed to take on the challenges of extreme environment situations that will take you deep into extinct lava tunnels, remote research labs, and deep underwater space vehicle mock-ups. You will be faced with several carefully designed challenges to help identify and measure team cognitive functional characteristics capable of taking on extreme environment circumstances like those found in space. These challenges include team oriented tasks which measure characteristics known to contribute to team communication, resilience, and performance. Challenges also include social engagements, survival strategies, and behaviors illustrated in simulated microgravity. You will learn team skills, survival strategies, and astronaut skills that will prepare you for space mission objectives. This could include working on the lunar surface, in orbit or on Mars. This is just the beginning. We will continue to engage with everyone, whether you advance this year or next year. New Career Astronaut opportunities will continue to become available.

QUALIFICATIONS

How to qualify for the Commercial Space Equity & Diversity Scholarship?

 

This is a need-based scholarship. The application process is automated and very simple. Awards are determined at the time your application is submitted. Applicants with a focus in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) and Arts (STEAM) will be considered. The following Minimum Requirements must be met:

• Applicants must have at minimum a Bachelor’s degree or are enrolled in any STEM or Arts degree program that will result in at least a Bachelor’s degree over the next 4 years (i.e. engineering, biology, mathematics, etc.)
• Must be physically fit for space and able to pass a physical exam (
• Must obtain Scuba Certification prior to the start of physical training
• Must be able to lift 30 lbs
• Must complete at least three years of work related experience in chosen field of study before or during physical training (part-time is acceptable)
• Must be free from any disease, psychiatric disorders, dependency on drugs, alcohol or tobacco
• Must have visual acuity in both eyes of 100% (20/20) either uncorrected or corrected with lenses or contact lenses
• Must demonstrate cognitive, mental and personality capabilities to enable candidate to work efficiently in an intellectually and socially highly demanding environment
• Must speak conversational English either native or as a second language
• Must be at least 18 years of age

In addition to the Minimum Requirements listed above, the following are five (5) qualifying questions used to determine eligibility for the Commercial Space Equity & Diversity Scholarship:

1. Would you ever consider the possibility of becoming an astronaut working in the commercial space industry?
2. Do you identify with a minority population?
3. Are you currently in need of financial assistance to help cover the cost of tuition for education in the commercial space industry?
4. In the past 4 years have you been or do you plan to be enrolled in an academic extracurricular activity such as, but not limited to, a debate team, student government, athletic, artistic or musical team?